The weeklong trial has come to an end

A Manhattan jury has determined that Ed Sheeran is not guilty of copyright infringement of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” for his 2014 song “Thinking Out Loud.” Sheeran had been accused of copying the sheet music for Gaye’s 1973 soul classic by the family of the song’s late co-writer, Ed Tonwshend. The English singer and songwriter performed a portion of both songs in court with his guitar, and was found not liable after a jury deliberated for nearly three hours.

The suit claims Sheeran used the rhythm, chord progression and other elements for his 2014 Grammy-wining song without permission.

Opening testimony last week by the plaintiffs lawyer Ben Crump said the case is “about giving credit where credit is due” and that Sheeran “recognized the magic of ‘Let’s Get It On'” and used the song without permision.

Sheeran’s attorney Ilene Farkas said that he and co-writer Amy Wadge was “born from an emotional conversation” and was the duo’s “original creation.”

“We all benefit from artists being free to create and to build on what came before them,” Farkas said in court. She warned the jury that a verdict against Sheeran would mean “creativity will be stifled for fear of being sued,” according to ABC News.

Sheeran testified last week that he writes most of his songs within a day and did not stop think about copying elements from Gaye’s song.

“If I had done what you’re accusing me of doing I’d be quite an idiot to stand on stage in front of 25,000 people,” Sheeran said while on the stand.

He also indicated he’d quit writing music if he lost the court case.

“If that happens, I’m done – I’m stopping,” Sheeran said in court, according to The New York Post.

Sheeran hugged his legal team Thursday (May 4th) after the verdict was reached.

The lawsuit was seeking $100 million in damages.

Sheeran previously won a 2022 copyright infringement case involving “Shape of You.” Gaye’s heirs won a case in 2015 against Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams involving “Got to Give It Up.” They were not involved in this latest suit.